April 24, 2006

Uruguay beef exports jumps 31.7 percent in March
 

Uruguay's beef exports in March reached a total of 38,340 tonnes, a 31.7 percent increase compared to February, according to a report from the National Meat Institute of Uruguay (INAC).

According to the data, the increase is largely due to restrictions placed upon exports from Brazil and Argentina from countries such as Chile, Russia, South Africa and the EU.

Three quarters of Uruguay's beef exports are in the form of frozen beef.

11,310 tonnes, or about a quarter of its exports, went to the US last month, a 4.4 percent decrease over February. The US is typically the largest export market for Uruguay, absorbing about a third of its beef imports.

Exports to the EU, its second largest market, which typically absorbs 12 percent of its exports, rose 3.9 percent to 4,090 tonnes in March

Uruguay's third largest market is in Africa.

During March, total cattle slaughter in Uruguay rose 34.7 percent from February to reach 231,731 head.